Meet Emil Gasparian

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emil Gasparian. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Emil, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from a mix of personal drive and the inspiration I draw from the stories I capture through my lens. Growing up, I watched my family pour their hearts into their own pursuits—whether it was my parents’ dedication to their craft or the hustle of mentors I admired in the creative world. That instilled a sense of discipline and commitment in me. But honestly, a big part of it is the responsibility I feel to my clients at GasparainFOTO. Every shoot is a chance to tell someone’s unique story—whether it’s a wedding, a portrait, or a commercial project. Knowing they trust me to freeze those moments in time pushes me to show up, plan meticulously, and deliver beyond expectations. I’m also fueled by the constant learning in photography—chasing new techniques, lighting, or editing styles keeps me hungry and disciplined.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

What’s most exciting about my work is the trust clients place in me to capture their milestones and memories. There’s nothing like seeing someone’s face light up when they see their photos and feel their story has been told authentically. I’m deeply inspired by the diversity of people and moments I get to document—it pushes me to keep evolving my craft, whether it’s experimenting with bold lighting, new editing techniques, or creative compositions. At GasparainFOTO, my brand is built on passion, precision, and a commitment to making every client feel seen and celebrated.
Professionally, I’m focused on growing GasparainFOTO into a go-to name for storytelling photography while staying true to the personal touch that defines my work. I’m thrilled to share that we’re currently expanding our offerings to include more immersive experiences, like destination shoots and creative brand storytelling for small businesses. We’re also planning a few pop-up gallery events in the coming months to showcase our latest work and connect with the community—stay tuned for details on our website!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

For resilience: Embrace failure as a teacher. Start small—shoot in challenging conditions, take on diverse projects, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Reflect on what went wrong and how to improve. Also, build a routine to stay disciplined, like setting aside time to learn new skills or manage your business tasks.
For creative vision: Experiment relentlessly. Try new techniques, even if they feel out of your comfort zone—play with different lenses, edit styles, or genres. Study other creatives, not just photographers, to spark ideas. Create a personal project that’s just for you to explore your unique voice without pressure.
For relationship-building: Focus on genuine connections. Practice active listening with clients to understand their needs. Follow up after shoots with a thank-you note or a quick check-in. Join local creative communities or online forums to network and learn from others. Building trust takes time, but it’s the foundation of a sustainable career.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One book that’s played a significant role in my development as a photographer and entrepreneur behind GasparainFOTO is The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. It’s a powerful guide to overcoming creative blocks and building a disciplined, fulfilling career, which resonated deeply with me as I grew my photography business.

For anyone building a creative career, I’d recommend this book to tackle self-doubt and stay committed. Its core lesson is simple but profound: show up, do the work, and trust that your passion will carry you forward. That’s been my guiding light in building GasparainFOTO into a platform for storytelling through images.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gasparianfoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gasparianfoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GasparianFOTO/
• Twitter: https://x.com/gasparianfoto
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GasparianFOTO
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gasparian-photography-pasadena

Image Credits

All images by Gasparian FOTO